Bio: Leonard Padilla currently seeks the elected office of Mayor of Sacramento. Mr. Padilla is best known as a world famous bounty hunter. In 1982 Mr. Padilla founded the University of Northern California, Lorenzo Patino School of Law, going strong after 30 years. He also is a father, grandfather, and a longstanding resident and citizen of the City of Sacramento.

Name: Leonard PadillaAge: 72Profession: Professional Bounty HunterParty Affiliation: Decline to StatePrevious elected offices held: NoneHighest educational degree obtained, and from which institution: JD, Law Degree, Lincoln Law School 1980Number of years as Sacramento resident (as defined by voter registration): 49

What makes you the most qualified candidate?

I have the unique experience of being a bounty hunter (taking criminals off the streets since 1975). I have a law degree. Having been a neighbor of City Hall, I am very knowledgeable of City Hall activities and economics. I have no interest in wasting tax payer monies or assets on grandiose schemes such as the recent waste of hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, in an attempt to appease and beguile the Maloof family into keeping their basketball team in town.

There are several situations that present themselves. The mall could be used to lure college campuses into relocating there. With several campuses locating there, many jobs in the educational field, as others, would be created. Obviously, if several major companies were approached by the Economic Development Department of Sacramento instead of focusing their reference on a basketball team, much could be accomplished.

What do you think about the city's efforts to build a new arena?

I don't think the city should have been involved to the extent that it was. It cost millions of dollars of city personnel time, effort and cash and misdirected efforts that should have gone towards the needs of the citizens of the City of Sacramento rather than the needs of a dozen basketball players.

Do you favor the current Council-manager form of government, a strong-mayor system or something else?

I have no problem with the current system; however, it would not be a bad idea to make the police chief and some department heads employment approved by a City Council majority vote.

How would you deal with the loss of state redevelopment funds?

I'm not sure. I would have to leave that up to my able assistants, Heather Fargo and Jonathon Rewer.

Do you support building bridge across the Sacramento River? If so, where?

Yes, but only in better financial times, around Sutterville.

How should city deal with its current budget deficit?

We obviously have to redo the funding of pensions of many of the individuals that can now retire at age 52 with a fat paycheck.

What would be your boldest move as mayor?

A City Marshals unit that would deal with the apprehension within the city limits of parole and probation violators and ex-felons with firearms. Half the crimes in the City of Sacramento involve one of the above described. Curtailing their activities will bring crime statistics down quickly.

What sets you apart from the other candidates in the race?

I am definitely more concerned about the City of Sacramento than Mayor Johnson. I believe my street knowledge is better than Rewers. I do not discount Rewers economic and numbers knowledge of the city. Mayor Johnson is only interested in being a point man for individuals that would profit off the City of Sacramento. His groups, particularly Think Big, are a joke. They care only and think only of themselves, not the citizens of Sacramento.